All about costochondritis  causes of costochondritis symptoms of costochondritis diagnosis of costochondritis treatment for costochondritis Tietze's syndrome |
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What's the treatment for costochondritis?
The goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation and to control pain. Once the diagnosis of costochondritis is made, it
usually responds well to a course of a pain-killing, anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or any of a number of prescription medications. If this condition doesn't respond to simple treatment measures, the patient should undergo more tests. When costochondritis is associated with liver disease, it is more difficult to treat. Additional treatment recommendations include the use of local heat, biofeedback, and gentle stretching of the pectoralis muscles two to three times a day. For more difficult cases, where the patient continues to exhibit pain and discomfort, cortisone injections are used as therapy. Surgical removal of the sore cartilage may be required if there is no response to medical therapy. Supplements that are used to reduce inflammation Supplements includind ginger root, evening primrose oil, bromelain, vitamin E, omega-3 oils, and white willow bark have been used to treat costochondritis. Glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate, which may aid in the healing of cartilage, has also been used. |
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More information on costochondritis
What is costochondritis? - Costochondritis is inflammation of the joint between a rib and the breastbone or between the bony part of the rib and the rib cartilage.
What causes costochondritis? - The most likely causes of costochondritis include injury, repetitive minor trauma, and unusual excessive physical activity.
What're the symptoms of costochondritis? - The main symptom of costochondritis is pain or tenderness in the front of the chest near the breastbone.
How is costochondritis diagnosed? - Diagnosis of costochondritis is based on pain upon palpation (gentle pressing) of the affected joints.
What's the treatment for costochondritis? - The goals of treatment for costochondritis are to reduce inflammation and to control pain. It usually responds well to pain-killing, anti-inflammatory medications.
What is Tietze's syndrome? - Tietze's syndrome is an idiopathic costochondritis. The patient complains of pain that is often localized to the costal cartilage. |
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